Description
Japanese Jungin Pure Silver 純銀
From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to introduce this fine and rare example Japanese Lacquer Cart Smokers Set Tabako-Bon. The Lacquer Smokers Set modelled as a boat shaped cart with simulated rope twist handle and tied tassel mounts. The lacquer body of the Smokers Set with heavy gold hiramaki-e and takamaki-e with mura-nashiji depicting birds, waves and two wheels. The front of the Tabako-Bon features a pull out drawer for storing tobacco accessories and the centre of the boat is fitted with two pure silver containers. The first container with a pierced lid featuring a chrysanthemum bulb finial handle and cherry blossom engraving designed for ash, the second a tobacco caddy with matching decoration stamped 純銀 Japanese jungin pure silver mark. The Japanese Lacquer Boat Smokers Set Tabako-Bon dates to the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and the early 20th century circa 1910.
Tabako-Bon used regularly in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony setting to encourage relaxation. The host, tei-shu 亭主 house-master, provides various smoking utensils in a tabako bon, 煙草盆 (smoke-plant tray).
Takamaki-e is a technique where metallic powders are applied to soft surface designs and built up through a mixture of lacquer and charcoal or clay dust. They are affixed by a protective lacquer coat and polished.
Hiramaki-e is a variation of gold decoration in low, or flat relief similar to the risen version Takamaki-e
Mura-nashiji is frequently employed for the background of a pattern. Gold (or silver) flakes called nashiji-ko are sprinkled onto the surface of the object on which lacquer has been applied. Nashiji lacquer is then applied and burnished with charcoal, so that the gold (or silver) can be seen through the lacquer.
Jungin 純銀 meaning “pure silver” was used predominantly during the Meiji Period to identify the objects made from pure silver.
Meiji Period was an era of Japanese history that spanned from 1868 to 1912. It was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people began to build a paradigm of a modern, industrialised nation state and emergent great power, influenced by Western countries and aesthetics. As a result of radically different ideas, the changes to Japan were profound and it affected the social structure, politics, economy, military, and foreign relations across the board. The period corresponded to the reign of Emperor Meiji and was preceded by the Keio era and was succeeded by the Taisho era.
Cultural Art during the Meiji Period was of particular interest to the government and they overhauled the art export market which in turn promoted Japanese arts via various world’s fairs, beginning in Vienna at the world fair in 1873. The government heavily funded the fairs and took an active role organising how Japan’s culture was presented to the world including creating a semi-public company named Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha (First Industrial Manufacturing Company). The Kiritsu Kosho Kaisha was used to promote and commercialise exports of Japanese art and established the Hakurankai Jimukyoku (Exhibition Bureau) to maintain quality standards. For the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, the Japanese government created a Centennial Office and sent a special envoy to secure space for the 30,000 items that would be displayed. The Imperial Household also took an active interest in arts and crafts, commissioning works by select artists to be given as gifts for foreign dignitaries further emphasising the high quality and importance of Japanese art. Just before the end of the 19th century in 1890, the Teishitsu Gigeiin (Artist to the Imperial Household) system was created to recognise distinguished artists. These artists were selected for their exceptionally high quality wares and talent in their own industry. Over a period of 54 years Seventy artists were appointed, amongst these were ceramicist Makuzu Kozan and cloisonné enamel artist Namikawa Yasuyuki.
Measurements 17.5cm High x 30cm Wide x 13cm Deep, Ash Canister 9.5cm High (handle up) 9cm High (handle down) 10cm Wide x 8.5cm Deep, Tobacco Canister 8cm High x 5cm Diameter (6.9 x 11.8 x 5.1 Inches)
Condition Excellent antique condition
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